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arXiv · 1812.02932

Unveiling the Rich and Diverse Universe of Subsecond Astrophysics through LSST Star Trails

David Thomas·Steven M. Kahn·Federica B. Bianco·Željko Ivezić·Claudia M. Raiteri·Andrea Possenti·John R. Peterson·Colin J. Burke·Robert D. Blum·George H. Jacoby·Steve B. Howell·Grzegorz Madejski
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Abstract

We present a unique method that allows the LSST to scan the sky for stellar variability on short timescales. The operational component of the strategy requires LSST to take star trail images. The image processing component uses deep learning to sift for transient events on timescales down to 10 ms. We advocate for enabling this observing mode with LSST, as coupling this capability with the LSST's tremendous 319.5 m$^2$deg$^2$ etendue will produce the first wide area optical survey of the universe on these timescales. We explain how these data will advance both planned lines of investigation and enable new research in the areas of stellar flares, cataclysmic variables, active galactic nuclei, Kuiper Belt objects, gamma-ray bursts, and fast radio bursts.

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David Thomas, Steven M. Kahn, Federica B. Bianco, Željko Ivezić, Claudia M. Raiteri, Andrea Possenti, John R. Peterson, Colin J. Burke, Robert D. Blum, George H. Jacoby, Steve B. Howell, Grzegorz Madejski. 2018-12-07. Unveiling the Rich and Diverse Universe of Subsecond Astrophysics through LSST Star Trails. https://arxiv.org/abs/1812.02932

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